By the end of the last millennium, the ubiquitous disposable pen had just about taken over. Though a few pen companies still catered to serious collectors with elaborate, intricate (and exorbitantly expensive) designs, it had been years since anyone offered a beautifully made everyday pen. Inspired by the Esterbrook Pen Company, which served the writing needs of the general public for almost a hundred years, Levenger set out to inspire contemporary writers with a modern take on the classics. In February, 1999, the very first True Writer was introduced.